Apple Unveils new iPad Pro with Breakthrough LiDAR Scanner

[AleksandarK]

Apple today announced its most advanced iPad Pro. Now with the A12Z Bionic chip, iPad Pro is faster and more powerful than most Windows PC laptops. The new iPad Pro adds an Ultra Wide camera, studio-quality mics and a breakthrough LiDAR Scanner that delivers cutting-edge depth-sensing capabilities, opening up more pro workflows and supporting pro photo and video apps. The LiDAR Scanner, along with pro cameras, motion sensors, pro performance, pro audio, the stunning Liquid Retina display and powerful apps, extends the lead of iPad Pro as the world's best device for augmented reality (AR). The new iPad Pro is available to order starting today on apple.com.

With iPadOS 13.4, Apple brings trackpad support to iPad, giving customers an all-new way to interact with their iPad. Rather than copying the experience from macOS, trackpad support has been completely reimagined for iPad. As users move their finger across the trackpad, the pointer elegantly transforms to highlight user interface elements. Multi-Touch gestures on the trackpad make it fast and easy to navigate the entire system without users ever lifting their hand.



The new iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard.

The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with trackpad delivers the best typing experience ever on iPad.
Apple today also introduced the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. With a floating design with smooth angle adjustment, a backlit keyboard and trackpad, the Magic Keyboard delivers the best typing experience ever on iPad. The Magic Keyboard will be available for purchase in May.
"The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Combining the most advanced mobile display with powerful performance, pro cameras, pro audio, the breakthrough LiDAR Scanner and new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad, this is another huge leap forward for iPad. There's no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers are going to love it."

"We're making iPad even more capable and versatile by bringing trackpad support to iPadOS," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "We carefully considered the best way to integrate trackpad use into a touch-first environment while retaining everything our customers know and love about iPad. We're thrilled to bring this new way of interacting with iPad to the millions of people using iPadOS today."

Pro Performance with A12Z Bionic Chip
Built for the most demanding tasks, like editing 4K video or designing 3D models, iPad Pro gets another performance boost with the new A12Z Bionic chip. The eight-core GPU in the A12Z Bionic, along with an enhanced thermal architecture and tuned performance controllers, gives iPad Pro the highest performance ever in an iPad. Combined with the eight-core CPU and the powerful Neural Engine, which enables next-generation apps, there's no other chip that can offer the incredible performance found in the thin and light design of iPad Pro. With great battery life lasting up to 10 hours, faster Wi-Fi connectivity and gigabit-class LTE that's 60 percent faster with support for more LTE bands than any other tablet, customers can stay productive and creative all day.


Video editing on the new iPad Pro.

The A12Z Bionic chip with the powerful Neural Engine offers incredible performance, enabling next-generation apps.

Pro Display
The edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display — in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes — is the world's most advanced mobile display. Featuring P3 wide color support, it lets customers see photos, videos, apps and games in vivid, true-to-life detail. ProMotion technology automatically adjusts the display refresh rate up to 120 Hz for ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness. And no matter where customers take iPad Pro or how they interact with it, True Tone, high brightness and an anti-reflective coating deliver the best viewing experience possible on any mobile device.
ProCreate on the new iPad Pro.

Pro Cameras
The Pro camera system on iPad Pro features a 12MP Wide camera for capturing stunning photos and 4K video, and now includes a 10MP Ultra Wide camera that zooms out two times to capture a much wider field of view. Adding a second camera doubles the photo and video possibilities, enabling different perspectives and multi-camera use — a game changer for creative pros.
iPad Pro cameras.

Pro Audio with Studio-Quality Mics
iPad Pro now features five studio-quality microphones for capturing super clean audio and the quietest details, and delivers an immersive sound experience with four-speaker audio that automatically adjusts to any orientation, no matter how it is held. The combination of pro cameras, pro audio and the large display make iPad Pro a versatile mobile studio for creative pros including filmmakers, video professionals, podcasters and other content creators.
Lifestyle shot of iPad Pro in a studio.

Breakthrough LiDAR Scanner
The breakthrough LiDAR Scanner enables capabilities never before possible on any mobile device. The LiDAR Scanner measures the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away, works both indoors and outdoors, and operates at the photon level at nano-second speeds. New depth frameworks in iPadOS combine depth points measured by the LiDAR Scanner, data from both cameras and motion sensors, and is enhanced by computer vision algorithms on the A12Z Bionic for a more detailed understanding of a scene. The tight integration of these elements enables a whole new class of AR experiences on iPad Pro.
Every existing ARKit app automatically gets instant AR placement, improved motion capture and people occlusion. Using the latest update to ARKit with a new Scene Geometry API, developers can harness the power of the new LiDAR Scanner to unleash scenarios never before possible.

The LiDAR Scanner improves the Measure app, making it faster and easier to automatically calculate someone's height, while helpful vertical and edge guides automatically appear to let users more quickly and accurately measure objects. The Measure app also now comes with Ruler View for more granular measurements and allows users to save a list of all measurements, complete with screenshots for future use.

Trackpad Support Comes to iPadOS
iPadOS 13.4 brings trackpad support to iPad for the first time for a more natural typing experience and added precision for tasks such as writing and selecting text, working with spreadsheets and pro workflows. Designed specifically for the touch-first experience on iPad, the cursor appears as a circle that highlights user interface elements, text fields and apps on the Home screen and Dock, giving a clear indication of what users can click on. Fluid gestures on the trackpad make it easy to switch between apps, access the app switcher and activate the Dock, Control Center and apps in Slide Over.
Trackpad support in iPadOS is designed to work great with the apps customers use every day. From smoothly scrolling through web pages in Safari and photo libraries in Photos, to precisely editing text in Notes and quickly viewing and organizing your email in Mail, it's a joy to use a trackpad with iPad. Most third-party apps work with no change at all, and developers can go even further with new APIs that let them deliver unique experiences in their apps.
Updates coming to Apple's iWork suite of productivity apps — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — take full advantage of the trackpad and open up a whole new way to work with documents on iPad. Writing and editing text is a breeze in Pages, working with multiple objects in Keynote is easier than ever, and added levels of precision make working with even the largest spreadsheets a snap. Additional new features include gorgeous new templates in Pages and Keynote, giving users a head start on creating beautiful documents and, for the first time in iWork, users can add a drop cap to make a paragraph stand out with a large, decorative first letter. Collaboration will also become easier than ever with support for iCloud folder sharing and the ability to edit shared documents while offline.

Pro Accessories with Magic Keyboard
Joining the second-generation Apple Pencil and an updated Smart Keyboard Folio is the new Magic Keyboard. Attaching magnetically to iPad Pro, the Magic Keyboard puts the beautiful Multi-Touch screen on display with its floating design, working equally well on a lap or on a desk. Unique cantilevered hinges allow smooth adjustments of the viewing angle up to 130 degrees. The portable and protective design of the Magic Keyboard delivers a full-size keyboard with backlit keys and a scissor mechanism that delivers 1 mm travel, delivering the best typing experience ever on iPad.
The Magic Keyboard features USB-C pass-through charging, keeping the USB-C port on iPad Pro free for accessories including external drives and displays. The click-anywhere trackpad on the Magic Keyboard complements the touch-first design of iPad for easy navigation and precise adjustments, adding even more versatility and productivity to the iPad Pro experience.

Pricing and Availability

• The new iPad Pro is available to order starting today on apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 30 countries and regions, including the US. iPad Pro will be available in stores starting next week.
• The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space gray finishes. A starting configuration of 128 GB offers pro customers more room for their apps and content, along with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB configurations.
• The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 (US) for the Wi-Fi model and $949 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 (US) for the Wi-Fi model and $1,149 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model from apple.com.
• Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $749 (US) and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $899 (US). The second-generation Apple Pencil is available for $119 (US) and the new Smart Keyboard Folio for the new iPad Pro is available for $159 (US) for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $179 (US) for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for college students. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro will be available for college students at $279 (US) for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $329 (US) for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. For more information visit: apple.com/us-hed/shop.
• iPadOS 13.4 with trackpad support will be available on March 24 as a free software update for all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later.
• Trackpad support will be available on any iPad running iPadOS 13.4, and work with Apple's Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2 and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. Third-party mice connected over Bluetooth or USB are also supported.
• The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro will be available for purchase in May for $299 (US) for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 (US) for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with layouts for over 30 languages, including simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
• The second-generation Apple Pencil for iPad Pro is available for $129 (US). The new Smart Keyboard Folio for the new iPad Pro is available in space gray for $179 (US) for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $199 (US) for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with layouts for over 30 languages, including simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
• Customers in the US can trade in their eligible device for an Apple Store Gift Card or credit toward their purchase. If the device isn't eligible for credit, Apple will recycle it for free.
• When customers buy online from Apple, they can make their iPad and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) their own with free engraving.
• Customers get 3 percent Daily Cash when they buy iPad from Apple with Apple Card.
• Customers can extend their limited warranty with AppleCare+ and get 24/7 priority access to technical support.
• Every customer who buys iPad from Apple can enjoy free Personal Setup in-store or online, and receive guidance on how to customize their iPad, set up email, find apps from the App Store and more.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Easy Rhino]

It is incredible how much technology they can stuff in that form factor and maintain battery life and durability and excellent software.

 

[Cheeseball]

It is incredible how much technology they can stuff in that form factor and maintain battery life and durability and excellent software.

Yeah, I just pre-ordered the 512 GB version. I use an iPad mini (5th gen) at work for team meetings, Python/Lua and RDS and it surprisingly fits my workflow. It also hooks up nicely as a secondary screen if I'm using a laptop.

 

[notb]

It is incredible how much technology they can stuff in that form factor and maintain battery life and durability and excellent software.

Why would they not?
These iPads cost as much as good ultrabooks. They aren't exactly smaller or lighter (considering how much hardware is omitted). They last just as long on battery.
And the SoC is enormous. It's 7nm but almost the size of an i9-9880H.
Sure, it's a great product. But it's not as ahead of the competition as some suggest.

The most incredible thing is that there's actually a market for these. I wonder if it goes beyond Apple consumers and how long will it take until we see a competing Surface.

 

[Franzen4Real]

Sure, it's a great product. But it's not as ahead of the competition as some suggest.

The most incredible thing is that there's actually a market for these. I wonder if it goes beyond Apple consumers and how long will it take until we see a competing Surface.

I wouldn't consider myself an Apple loyalist by any means, but I have the current iPad Pro 12.9 w/ pencil and love it. I replaced an older Surface with it. For my use cases I like the iPad better than the older Surface. I know that the last couple gens have been getting better and better, but not so much better that I feel the need to drop the iPad. I do keep my eye on every new Surface launch though, as it is not out of the question that someday I may switch back. Ryzen APU's are one thing I'm holding out for in a Surface before switching back.

 

[Cheeseball]

I wouldn't consider myself an Apple loyalist by any means, but I have the current iPad Pro 12.9 w/ pencil and love it. I replaced an older Surface with it. For my use cases I like the iPad better than the older Surface. I know that the last couple gens have been getting better and better, but not so much better that I feel the need to drop the iPad. I do keep my eye on every new Surface launch though, as it is not out of the question that someday I may switch back. Ryzen APU's are one thing I'm holding out for in a Surface before switching back.

If they actually give the Surface Go a better CPU/IGP (at least i5-1035G4, Microsoft, c'mon!!) I'd be very interested in one.

 

[Octavean]

I wouldn't consider myself an Apple loyalist by any means, but I have the current iPad Pro 12.9 w/ pencil and love it. I replaced an older Surface with it. For my use cases I like the iPad better than the older Surface. I know that the last couple gens have been getting better and better, but not so much better that I feel the need to drop the iPad. I do keep my eye on every new Surface launch though, as it is not out of the question that someday I may switch back. Ryzen APU's are one thing I'm holding out for in a Surface before switching back.

To be fair the Surface Pro (x86/x64) isn’t really comparable to the iPad Pro. The Surface X is probably more or less analogous to the iPad Pro Given they are both ARM platform.

So alone those lines the general user Base wasn’t interested in Microsoft’s initial attempt at Windows on ARM with respect to the Surface RT. Microsoft has had a history of shoehorning Windows onto devices (form-factors) that were less then ideal. From my perspective there was nothing Wrong with the Surface RT and Windows could be formidable on ARM. However, most Windows users approach any new version of Windows as having to be virtually 100% backward compatible with their old software and hardware (drivers) or else they get all kinds of bent out of shape.

No one faults A-ple for not being able to use their MacOS software and hardware on iOS or iPadOS devices but then Apple doesn’t use kid gloves when it comes to continued support so their user base is accustomed to be treated harshly.

What it says about Microsoft‘s user base is that they are only loyal as long as they can bring all or most of their baggage with them when it time to move. If not, they will either stay with the OS they already have or possibly move on to another none Windows / Microsoft option.

whatever,.....

The real issue is that if Microsoft makes an OS that looks like the Windows that every knows but doesn’t have the native backward compatibility that everyone expects it will be rejected by the people who (in this case) don’t understand or don’t care about the fundamental differences between ARM and X86/X64 platforms. Whereas Apple can get away with that $#!t all day long,....

 

[zlobby]

Samsung (and others) should really start taking notes here.

 

[notb]

Samsung (and others) should really start taking notes here.

I believe they've been taking notes for a few decades already.

Which doesn't change the fact that there's really not that much you can do with all that power. It's still an iPad. It doesn't run x86 Mac software (albeit with all that grunt they could consider emulating).
As of today Apple doesn't even provide a proper coding IDE. Their flagship (and rather good) Xcode is Mac-only.
Other popular software missing: anything serious from Adobe (e.g. Photoshop, proper Lightroom) or Microsoft (Office, Visual Studio, even Visual Studio Code), any mainstream database, any Virtualization suite, any serious photo/video editor that's not actually just ported from iPhones.
And a lot of proper stuff is available for ARM. For example: Debian/Ubuntu ARM repositories include most of what's they offer for x86.

People have been using iPads as terminals for server/cloud-based workflows. And they'll have to keep doing that.

For roughly the same price you can get the new Macbook Air. Yes, the Ice Lake SoC may be a little weaker. But it's a proper, universal workhorse. And in my book doing something slower is still better than not doing something at all.

Funny enough, in the Air thread an individual called it an "expensive web browsing device".
Such a pitty he hasn't come here yet, because this is where that comment belongs.

On the Microsoft side we have the Surface Pro X, which offers less performance, but adds 32-bit x86 emulation and WSL.

 

[zlobby]

True dat. What I meant was more hardware and design-wise.

As for the software, I cannot even uninstall Facebook from my Samsungs w/o root...